Biodiesel Collaborative Solar Thermal System (Fall 2005)

The REI allocated $7,000 to the Biodiesel Collaborative which was used to purchase two 4 X 10 and two 4 X 8 solar thermal collectors.  These collectors produce 100% of the heat required to produce biodiesel at the University’s biodiesel research facility.

ASU & AppalCART Biodiesel Tank (Fall 2005 - Fall 2006)

The REI, in partnership with AppalCART, purchased a 10,000 gallon fuel tank; The REI allocated $60,000 and AppalCART provided the remaining $40,000. This tank is used to store B-20 biodiesel which is used by both University and AppalCART fleet vehicles. The REI also allocated $2,500 for bumper sticker to promote the progressive and collaborative efforts to reduce emissions. This project has helped to reduce the University’s annual motor vehicle emissions by 10 to 20 percent.

Biodiesel Collaborative Photovoltaic Array (Fall 2006 - Spring 2008)

The REI allocated $17,500 to construct a ten panel, 1.7 kW pole mounted photovoltaic array.  The array is the first grid-tied system for both the University and the local utility, New River Light and Power. This 1.7 kW system was sized to meet 100% of the electrical needs of the University Biodiesel Collaborative project and produces over 2,000 kWh annually.

Kerr Scott Hall Photovoltaic Array (Spring 2007 - Spring 2008)

In an effort to provide additional hands-on learning opportunity for students in the Appropriate Technology program, the Department of Technology and the REI partnered to construct a 1.5 kW direct grid-tied PV system on Kerr Scott Hall.  The REI funded $5,000 dollars towards this project while the remaining $7,000 was donated by the Technology Department.

REI Informational Kiosk (Fall 2007 - Spring 2008)

In order to inform the campus community about the REI’s projects, an informational kiosk was designed and constructed by students in the Department of Technology.  The Kiosk is housed in the Plemmons Student Union and presents information regarding the REI activities.

Raley Photovoltaic Array (Spring 2007 - Fall 2008)

The Raley 4 kW PV array was designed to reflect the mountain landscape in which Appalachian State University is located.  The installed price of the system was over $65,000.  During the systems first year of operation it produced over 4,000 kWh of electricity and offset over 4 tons of CO₂.

Broyhill Wind Turbine (Fall 2005 - Summer 2009)

The turbine is a Northern Power Systems Northwind 100 wind generator and a result of the innovative partnership between the REI and New River Light and Power (NRLP); The REI allocated $319,800 and NRLP provided the remaining $213,200. The turbine is currently North Carolina's largest and is estimated to produce up to 147,000 kWh annually, off-setting 200 metric tons of carbon dioxide. For more information check out Joe Smith's website.

Plemmons Student Union Solar Thermal System (Fall 2005 - Spring 2010)

The PSUST system is comprised of fourty-two 4x10 flate plate collectors (seven of which are testing experimental glazing technology), three 400 gallon EPDM rubber lined tanks with 9 stainless steel heat exchangers, and over 200 feet of copper pipe. The REI allocated a total of $153,000 towards the project. The PSUST system will provide for the hot water needs of the Plemmons Student Union including McAlister's Deli, Cascades Cafe and the Mt. Mitchell Life Fitness Center. 

E3 House Photovoltaic Rooftop Array (Fall 2009- Spring 2010)

The REI allocated $30,000 towards the Photovoltaic rooftop array on the Energy, Environment, and Economic House - an innovative approach in design to replace FEMA disaster refief trailer homes. The house is designed to be completly self-sufficient; battery backed, the grid tied system provides the capability of selling excess power to the grid.